This pathway meets the requirements for the Associate of Science-Direct Transfer Agreement (AS-DTA) degree with a concentration in Environmental Science. Completion of this degree opens doors to a variety of careers in sectors including research, education, health and safety, non-profit, sustainable development, sustainable business, technology, and ...
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This pathway meets the requirements for the Associate of Science-Direct Transfer Agreement (AS-DTA) degree with a concentration in Environmental Science. Completion of this degree opens doors to a variety of careers in sectors including research, education, health and safety, non-profit, sustainable development, sustainable business, technology, and government. It also allows you to transfer at the junior level into an Environmental Science program at a four-year college or university.
Students in this pathway develop interdisciplinary skills related to the environment. Students will incorporate and communicate fundamental concepts and principles of environmental science to daily life. Students will utilize the process of scientific inquiry, apply awareness of current affairs to environmental issues, and solve problems using critical thinking.
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This pathway meets the requirements for the Associate of Science-Direct Transfer Agreement (AS-DTA) degree with a concentration in Environmental Science. Completion of this degree opens doors to a variety of careers in sectors including research, education, health and safety, non-profit, sustainable development, sustainable business, technology, and government. It also allows you to transfer at the junior level into an Environmental Science program at a four-year college or university.
Students in this pathway develop interdisciplinary skills related to the environment. Students will incorporate and communicate fundamental concepts and principles of environmental science to daily life. Students will utilize the process of scientific inquiry, apply awareness of current affairs to environmental issues, and solve problems using critical thinking.
F-1 international students must enroll full time (12+ units) each quarter and check in with the International Programs office before the start of the quarter if enrolling in less than 12 units and/or before starting any work or volunteer experience.
If you need academic accommodations for a documented disability, please contact Disability Services.
Step 1: Apply and register
at North Seattle College anytime (the application is always free). Once you become a student, register for classes using the
online class schedule
and go to the
academic calendar
for registration dates and tuition deadlines.
Step 2: See an advisor to
create a personalized educational plan
by the end of your second quarter. Your plan will include prerequisites, graduation requirements,
and transfer preparation if you plan to transfer to another college or university to earn a bachelor's degree.
Sample Schedule and Quarterly To-Do List
90 Units
A sample schedule and quarterly to-do list are below.
The schedule and to-do list will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The guide assumes a fall quarter start,
but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level.
Note about the sample schedule: Courses are offered in
various formats
and may not be offered each quarter. Click the button with arrows throughout the map to expand the section and view detailed information.
Click
to see details
Quarter 1
To-Do List
11
UNITS
To-Do List
Schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor in Starfish to meet and discuss your goals. Learn more about Starfish here.
English 101 is a college-level writing course that emphasizes academic writing and major strategies of reading and writing analytically. Writing assignments focus on engaging with and responding to a variety of texts. Instruction encourages students to develop, through revision and reflection, as readers, writers, and critical thinkers. Prereq: Eligibility for ENGL&101.
Course ID 0766505 Units
MATH98 or ABE98
Choose a course
variable units
MATH98 or ABE98 variable units
100 Level math is required for the degree. Consult with your North assigned advisor and transfer institution to determine which course to take.
Choose a course
MATH 98:
Intermediate Algebra
Covers real number system, polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic expressions and equations, linear and quadratic graphs, linear systems of equations and intro to functions.
Course ID 0772905 Units
ABE 98:
Intermediate Algebra
This course covers real number systems, polynomial and rational expressions, exponents and radicals, first and second degree equations, linear systems of equations and graph. It also serves as an introduction to functions and logarithms.
Course ID 07196915 Units
GEOL111 or SCI113 or SCI116
Choose a course
1 units
GEOL111 or SCI113 or SCI116 1 units
Choose a course
GEOL 111:
Geology Field Day
A one-day field trip and five-hour lecture on active and ancient geology in the Pacific Northwest. Topics include faults, glaciers, fossils, landslides, and the Cascade Mountain Range. Lab credit. Also offered as SCI 111.
Course ID 0771941 Units
SCI 113:
Marsh Ecology - Northwest Field Trips
Explore local wetlands and the organisms that inhabit wetlands ecosystems with a focus on the local animals and plants. Field trips. Lab.
Course ID 0774011 Units
SCI 116:
Edible Plants - Northwest Field Trip
Focuses on edible and medicinal plants of the Pacific Northwest. Lab credit.
Explore summer course offerings from your second year classes.
Visit Biology/Chemistry tutoring center and the Student Learning Center.
MATH&141
Precalculus I
5 units
MATH&141 5 units
MATH& 141:
Precalculus I
If already finished math, consider taking BIOL 125, GEOL 207 or GEOL 208 this or a future quarter.
The sequence Math& 141 and Math& 142 covers polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions; related functional and algebraic topics; topics in analytic geometry; systems of equations; trig and inverse trig functions; right triangle and oblique triangle trig; polar coordinates; vectors; and related trig applications. Fulfills the QSR requirement for A.A. degree.
Course ID 0773335 Units
GEOL or SCI fieldtrip class
1 units
GEOL or SCI fieldtrip class 1 units
* Consider taking a 3 credit fieldtrip class in the summer instead. Students need 5 credits of additional science.
GEOL or SCI fieldtrip class
ENVS&100 or ENVS&101
Choose a course
5 units
ENVS&100 or ENVS&101 5 units
Choose a course
ENVS& 100:
Survey of Environmental Science
Covers natural principles governing operation of the environment, including interaction between humans and the environment, emphasizing approaches and actions to maintain a healthy ecosystem.
Course ID 0771865 Units
ENVS& 101:
Intro to Environmental Science W/Lab
Covers natural principles governing operation of the environment including interaction between humans and the environment, emphasizing attitudes and actions to maintain a healthy ecosystem. This course has a lab component focusing on major topics in environmental science. Not open for credit to students who have taken ENVS 150 or ENVS&100. Prereq: ENGL& 101 eligibility and Math 098 (C); Prereq: ENGL& 101 recommended (N).
Visit potential universities and determine application deadlines.
ENGL&102
Composition II
5 units
ENGL&102 5 units
ENGL& 102:
Composition II
English 102 is a college-level research writing course that explores topics from a variety of sources and perspectives. Students learn to pose research questions and locate, evaluate, and integrate sources into written or multimodal compositions. Instruction encourages students to develop flexible research and writing strategies as well as exchange constructive feedback. The particular focus of sections of English102 varies by instructor. Students pursuing any degree path are welcome.
Course ID 0766515 Units
MATH&142 or Natural World
Choose a course
5 units
MATH&142 or Natural World 5 units
Consult with your North assigned advisor and transfer institution to determine which course to take.
Choose a course
MATH& 142:
Precalculus II
The sequence Math& 141 and Math& 142 covers polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions; related functional and algebraic topics; topics in analytic geometry; systems of equations; trig and inverse trig functions; right triangle and oblique triangle trig; polar coordinates; vectors; and related trig applications. Fulfills the QSR requirement for A.A. degree.
Pursue work study opportunities in the stockroom and student learning center as a tutor
CHEM&121
Intro to Chemistry
5 units
CHEM&121 5 units
CHEM& 121:
Introduction to Chemistry
Consider taking a 3 credit fieldtrip class instead. Students need 5 credits of additional science. Please contact your advisor and transfer institution to determine which course to take.
Introduction to Chemistry (CHEM&121) is intended for allied health programs and other non-science majors. Completion of CHEM& 121, and either CHEM& 131 or CHEM& 122, fulfills the chemistry requirement for many allied health programs (e.g. nursing, dental hygiene, etc). This lab science course covers the fundamentals of chemistry, including: measurements, atomic structure, types of reactions, thermodynamics, stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics, and acid base chemistry.
Course ID 0771095 Units
World Language I or another Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts class
5 units
World Language I or another Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts class 5 units
Consult with your North assigned advisor and transfer institution to determine which course to take.
World Language I or another Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts class
GEOL or SCI field trip class
1 units
GEOL or SCI field trip class 1 units
GEOL or SCI field trip class
Quarter 5
To-Do List
16
UNITS
To-Do List
Attend transfer events at North and universities of interest.
Contact Environmental Science departments at potential universities.
Research and develop a list of four-year colleges and universities.
BIOL&211
Majors Cellular Biology
5 units
BIOL&211 5 units
BIOL& 211:
Majors Cellular Biology
BIOL&211 is the first of a three-quarter introduction to biology sequence in preparation for advanced study in areas such as medicine, dentistry, cell biology, microbiology, or veterinary medicine. BIOL& 211 focuses on cellular biology, BIOL& 212 on the biological diversity in animals and BIOL& 213 on evolution, ecology and biological principles of prokaryotes, fungi, protists and plants. Lab included.
Course ID 0770815 Units
CSC111 or CHEM&131
Choose a course
5 units
CSC111 or CHEM&131 5 units
Choose a course
CSC 111:
Computers for Math and Science
Introduces skills, concepts, and capabilities necessary to effectively use information technology. Includes operation of computers and networks. Learn contemporary applications such as spreadsheet, database, and presentation software. Build your own website with images, links, multimedia, and some simple programs.
Course ID 0771325 Units
CHEM& 131:
Intro to Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
Consult with your North assigned advisor and transfer institution to determine which chemistry course to take.
Covers the structure, properties and reactions of various organic compounds, including hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and amines. Examines complex compounds found in living systems: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Lab focuses on analysis and separation techniques.
Course ID 0771125 Units
GEOL or SCI field trip class
1 units
GEOL or SCI field trip class 1 units
GEOL or SCI field trip class
UGR294
Independent Research
5 units
UGR294 5 units
UGR 294:
Independent Research
Undergraduate Research is recommended but not required for this degree. Please see financial aid about your funding options.
Work collaboratively with peers and faculty. Design, complete and publicly present an original research project.
Course ID 0774265 Units
Quarter 6
To-Do List
10
UNITS
To-Do List
Look for summer internships such as Research Experience for Undergraduates (REUs).
Contact Environmental Science departments at potential universities.
Write your personal statement for transfer applications.
Apply for financial aid for the upcoming academic year in Winter or Spring quarter to maximize your funding options.
Explore Undergraduate Research and internship opportunities and make a plan for completing a project
BIOL&212
Majors Animal
5 units
BIOL&212 5 units
BIOL& 212:
Majors Animal
A three-quarter intro to biology sequence in preparation for advanced study in areas such as medicine, dentistry, cell biology, microbiology, or veterinary medicine. BIOL& 211 focuses on cellular biology, BIOL& 212 on the biological diversity in animals and BIOL& 213 on evolution, ecology and biological principles of prokaryotes, fungi, protists and plants. Lab included. Continuation of series. Emphasis on the biological diversity of animals, general principles of animal physiology, growth and development.
Course ID 0770825 Units
GEOL&110
Environmental Geology
5 units
GEOL&110 5 units
GEOL& 110:
Environmental Geology: Geology and The Human Env
Covers the effects of geologic processes and materials on human activity, and the effects of human activity on the Earth. Emphasizes awareness of geologic aspects of our everyday environment including the identification of problems, and the formulation and evaluation of solutions. Lab included.
Course ID 0772055 Units
Quarter 7
To-Do List
10
UNITS
To-Do List
Apply to colleges or universities and scholarships.
Attend the University of Washington Undergraduate Research Symposium.
A three-quarter introduction to biology sequence in preparation for advanced study in areas such as medicine, dentistry, cell biology, microbiology, or veterinary medicine. BIOL& 211 focuses on cellular biology, BIOL& 212 on the biological diversity in animals and BIOL& 213 on evolution, ecology and biological principles of prokaryotes, fungi, protists and plants. Lab included.
Course ID 0770835 Units
MATH211 or BIOL259
Choose a course
variable units
MATH211 or BIOL259 variable units
Choose a course
MATH 211:
Elements of Statistical Methods
The course will examine numerical and categorical data, analyze sampling distributions, perform inference on numerical and categorical data, and explore relationship between quantitative variables. A statistical programming language will be used for statistical computation and graphics. Prereq: MATH 116 or MATH& 141 with a 2.0 or higher, or placement test.
Course ID 0773155 Units
BIOL 259:
Foundations In Quantitative Biology
An Exploration of quantitative skills used in biology, with a focus on applying those skills to current biological issues. Topics include data analysis, probabilities, statistics, algorithms, and numerical simulations. Level of math required has been addressed in pre-requisite. Transfers to the University of Washington as Biology 359.
CMST&220 or Visual, Literary and Perf Arts 5 units
Choose a course
CMST& 220:
Public Speaking
Learning to speak with confidence; topic selection and research; and preparation and delivery of informative, persuasive, special occasion and other forms of presentations.
POLS&202 or Individuals/Cultures/Societies 5 units
Choose a course
POLS& 202:
American Government
Survey of the origin and functions of the U.S. government. Examines the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution and the creation of the federal system as well as the three branches of American Government. Analyzes the functions of institutions through the lens of political history and through analysis of current events. Topics include political culture, elections and campaigns, interest groups, the media, and public policies.
SCI 129:
The Cascades To Puget Sound: Field Studies
Study aspects of biology, zoology, hydrology, meteorology, geology, botany, and/or soil and environmental sciences through field observation and lab work involving some aspect of the water cycle in the greater Puget Sound area. Includes a multi-day trip or multiple single-day trips. Lab and transportation fees will be assessed.
Course ID 0774113 Units
SCI 119:
Natural History Through Field Studies
Study aspects of biology, zoology, hydrology, meteorology, geology, botany, and/or soil and environmental sciences through field observation and lab work. Includes a multi-day trip or multiple single-day trips. Transportation fee will be assessed.
Attend on-campus graduation fair and commencement ceremony.
Check in with university for transfer plan.
ECON&201 or ECON&202
Choose a course
5 units
ECON&201 or ECON&202 5 units
Choose a course
ECON& 201:
Micro Economics
Covers the concepts of production, consumption and distribution with emphasis on price determination, production costs and market structures. Application of economic reasoning to public issues and business.
Course ID 0723035 Units
ECON& 202:
Macro Economics
Intro to the macroeconomic measures in the economy: GDP, unemployment and inflation. Examines monetary and fiscal policies and their effects on the interest rate and inflation. Covers economic growth and business cycles.
It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing either the
FAFSA or the
WASFA 2024-25.
Need help paying for college?
To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit
North's Financial Aid Department for details.
Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.
A Bachelor's degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above. For current employment and wage estimates, please visit https://www.bls.gov/oes/.
Future Education Opportunities
Once you complete this associates degree, additional education opportunities include, but are not limited to:
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, or a related field at a four-year college or university.
North Seattle College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including the University of Washington, Washington State University, and Seattle University. Environmental Science graduates from North have also transferred to out-of-state institutions. Program and admissions requirements vary from college-to-college. Contact a North advisor to create an educational plan tailored to transfer to the institution of your choice. You can use the College Navigator search engine found at http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to find Environmental Science programs in Washington state or around the country.
